If you want to construct, add to or alter a building or structure, alter land or vegetation, or subdivide land in any of Whistler’s Development Permit Areas, you may need a development permit. The development permit ensures that proposed developments follow the applicable development permit guidelines of Whistler’s Official Community Plan (OCP).
Do I need a development permit?
You need a development permit, if:
- Your land is in a Development Permit Area, either wholly or partly. See below for details;
- There isn’t an exemption for your development; and
- You are planning the following type of work:
| Development Permit Area | Type of proposed development | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altering land and/or vegetation | Construction of, addition to, or alteration of a building or structure | Subdivision of land | Closing in storefront windows with display walls or cabinets that impede views into a store | |
| Protection of Riparian Ecosystems | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Protection of Sensitive Ecosystems | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Aquifer Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Whistler Village | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Whistler Creek | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Commercial/Industrial | Only if inconsistent with an issued development permit | Yes | Yes | |
| Multi-family Residential | Yes for landscape alterations. Otherwise only if inconsistent with an issued development permit | Yes | Yes | |
| Industrial | Only if inconsistent with an issued development permit | Yes | Yes | |
| Intensive Residential | Only if inconsistent with an issued development permit | Yes | Yes | |
| Wildfire | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Steps to check if your property is in a Development Permit Area
- Go to Whistler Map.
- Search for your property address in the top right Search bar.
- Turn on the Layers tab (button on the bottom left).
- Check the OCP layer.
- Click the + next to the OCP to check the Development Permit Areas layer.
- Select the individual Development Permit Areas schedules.
It’s possible for a property to be in more than one Development Permit Area. Note all of the Development Permit Areas that apply to your parcel.
Is there an exemption for my type of development?
Single family homes and duplexes are usually exempt from requiring a development permit, other than if they are in Riparian or Sensitive Ecosystem Protection Development Permit Areas.
You can check the following to see if there’s an exemption for your type of development:
- Check the exemptions listed under each Development Permit Area in the Official Community Plan
- Part 5, Section 28 of Zoning and Parking Bylaw 303, 2015
If you’re not in a Development Permit Area or have an exemption you can apply for any of the following:
- Building permit
- Tree cutting permit
- Other permits including heat pump permits
How to apply for a development permit
Preapplication meeting
If you have questions or are unsure of the process and what is required, call 604-935-8170 or email planning@whistler.ca to schedule a meeting with our staff.
During this meeting you’ll describe the project to someone from our Planning Department and they will explain what you need to do next.
The Planning Department will confirm in writing if a development permit is required or not. Keep this letter. You will need to include it in your building permit application.
Complete the relevant forms
Complete and pay for the development permit application (PDF).
To have your application processed as quickly as possible, follow directions from the Planning Department and provide all requested information.
You may need the support of an architect, engineer, landscape architect, surveyor, professional engineer or/and qualified environmental professional.
Submitting an application does not guarantee that the municipality will approve it.
Development permit fees
Fees are decided after staff have reviewed your application and determined which process it will follow. See the fee structure below:
Development permit – delegated to staff for their approval of the removal or addition of trees or vegetation on land only – $1,000
Development permit – delegated to staff for their approval – $3,000
Development permit – requiring Council consideration – $10,000
Development permit – requiring Council consideration and involving multiple buildings – $15,000
Land title search – Additional $35
Legal services, if needed to review the application – at cost
How your application will be reviewed
Your development permit application will be reviewed by someone from our Planning Department. Then they may send your application for review by other departments at the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
Your application may also go to the Advisory Design Panel.
Some development permits are delegated to staff for their approval. These are listed in Schedules A and B on pages 8 and 9 of the development permit application (PDF).
Complex applications need Council to approve the development permit. This takes longer to process.
Once a development permit is approved, it is registered on your property’s title. Even if the property or land is sold, the permit requirements remain until a new development permit is issued.
Details about the review process are included in Whistler’s land use procedures and fees bylaw (PDF).
Processing times
The processing time depends on:
- The type, size and complexity of your project
- If you have provided all the information needed
- If we have a lot of other applications to process; we are busier during the May to October building season
Contact
Planning Department
604-935-8170
planning@whistler.ca